In Memory of Richard

There is a man who passed this week, and with pain in my cheeks I've tried to fight back tears. I chose to smile instead at the memories he left me with. He smiled, at all times, despite what his body was experiencing. From car accidents, to surgery, to weight loss, to triumph, and even in defeat, he never quit on himself, those that were around him or the relationship that he had in God. Every moment I saw him, and I stopped to ask if he was ok, he always said that he was fine and that God would bring him through. He never took a moment to feel sorry for himself or wish his pain on others. He never blamed anyone else for any of the problems he was having in his life. He looked at challenges as opportunities for God to have the victory and he was always the first to say and give credit to the one who brought him through.

It fills my heart with sadness that he is no longer here, but more importantly that sadness hides a peace that assures me he's at home with his Lord. I am sure he is dancing there - my boy was not afraid to cut up a rug. I'm sure he's running the soundboard in the worship room of heaven, soon to teach the newbies the right way to roll up a chord. This man has taught me more than he will ever know. He has taught me the value of trust and the value of love. He has taught me that I have two choices when an obstacle is before me, I trust that I will look at life with the same fervor he did and believe that there is a better day before me. Rest in peace my friend - I look forward to the day you remind me that my guitar is too loud.